The National College Players Association, a nonprofit advocating for the rights and safety of collegiate athletes, is "calling on the NCAA to consider holding NCAA tournament games without fans due to its concerns over coronavirus." The group yesterday wrote in a statement, "There should be a serious discussion about holding competitions without an audience present. ... The NCAA and its colleges must act now, there is no time to waste." Amid concerns that a potential outbreak of the coronavirus in the U.S. "could jeopardize major sporting events, the NCAA's Sports Science Institute issued memos earlier this week to its members, directing schools toward Centers for Disease Control resources while maintaining preparations for the upcoming NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments" (USA TODAY, 3/1).
Meanwhile, Major North American professional sports leagues are "talking to health officials and informing teams about the coronavirus outbreak that has led to the first reported death in the U.S." There are "no immediate plans to cancel or postpone games or have them held in empty stadiums or arenas" (ESPN.com, 2/29). YAHOO SPORTS goes with the header, "Coronavirus Is In The U.S. How Will NBA, NCAA, Other Sports Leagues Respond?"
